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LETTERS OF WILLIAM BARRY GROVE 

u 

EDITED BY 

Henry McGilbert Wagstaff 



i 



LETTERS OF WILLIAM BARRY GROVE 



Herewith are presented some letters, hitherto unpublished, of 
William Barry Grove to James Hogg. Grove, a native of Fay ette- 
ville, represented his district in Congress from 1791 to 1803. His 
friend and correspondent, James Hogg, a merchant, formerly 
resided in Fayetteville also, doing business in that town and in 
Wilmington. At the date of this correspondence he lived in Hills- 
boro. The letters cover the decade 1792-1802. Since they are 
few in number and scattered irregularly through the period they 
should be used only in connection with the Grove Letters (.also to 
James Hogg) which have been edited and published by Dr. K. P. 
Battle in the Sprunt Monograph No. 3, 1902. These cover the 
same period and are complementary to those herewith presented. 
It is believed that the two series together make up the complete 
list of Grove's letters to Hogg while a member of Congress, The 
whole collection should prove valuable, historically, in that they 
portray the feelings and actions of a Southern Federalist at a time 
of high party tension in our national councils; this aside from 
their value as giving a more or less intimate view of the problems 
confronting the federal government, its hopes and fears, during the 
infancy of the Republic. 

For an extended sketch of both Grove and Hogg sec the James 
Sprunt Historical Monograph No. 3, 1902. 



To James Hogg. 

Phila. 20th Apl, 1792. 
Dear Sir 

The Session is drawing to a close & I hope the time is near at 
hand when I shall see all my friends in Carolina, nevertheless as 
Mr. Hunt' is going immediately to Hillsboro I cant omit writing 

1 Probably Memucan Hunt, of Granville, member of the first North Caro- 
lina Provincial Congress which met at Newbern August 25. 1774 to organize 



43 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

you a few lines on the subject of Locks — Canals &c ; I have agree- 
ably to your desire 2 made particular enquiry respecting the form 
and materials proposed for Locks to be used in the navigation in 
this State, and from all I can learn either from a model which I 
have examined, or the conversation of some persons here who are 
skilled in that kind of work, our Lock gate &c. is on exactly the 
same plan & principles, We only differ as to the materials for the 
Lock, Stone is plenty here and to be used altogether — I refer you 
to the papers for the Political news; in one of these you will see a 
communication between Mr. "Jefferson and Mr. Hammond 3 res- 
pecting the operation and intention of a certain clause of the Brit- 
ish Navigation act: I judge some neg Delations are going on between 
The Plenipo. and The Secry. the nature of which are unknown; 
some private inquireys have been made by the Secry. of the Dele- 
gation of No. C. which induces this belief in me, I Avish they may 
terminate to the interests and satisfaction of both Countries. 

1 apprehend that nothing can be done this Session in Western 
Land Business, 4 or indeed with the Merchants Memor., 5 both sub- 
jects are attended with circumstances perplexing to Congress — 
You may have heard that the L. House is to be finished, and that 

resistance to England ; also member of the Provincial Congress that met at 
Halifax, November 12, 1776, and formed the State Constitution. 

2 Hogg was a member of the North Carolina Canal Company organized 
and chartered for the purpose of making the Cape Fear River navigable to 
the junction of the Haw and Deep rivers in the county of Chatham. It was 
a visionary scheme and part of the general plan of canal construction 
which amounted almost to a rage at this date, 1790-1800. See McMaster's 
History of the People of the United States, IT., 74-75. 

3 British Minister to the United States. Jefferson was Secretary of State 
in Washington's first cabinet. 

4 James Hogg, Grove's correspondent, was a member of the Transylvania 
Land Company which assumed to buy of the Cherokee Indians an immense 
tract of country making up a part of the present states of Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee, hence he was vitally interested in the extinguishment of the Indians' 
claims by the U. S. Government. A petition from the company to this end 
rested before Congress in 1792-93. The sale was finally declared illegal by 
the States of North Carolina and Virginia though at the same time the com" 
pany was allowed a compensation of 200,000 acres by way of compromise. 

5 North Carolina merchants had suffered the loss of a certain cargo, in 
part slaves, that had drifted ashore upon one of the Bahamas and there con- 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 49 

the District Fedl. Court is to sit at Wilmington alternately wh. 
Newborn A; Edenton. The Indian business 6 has made it neces- 
sary -to increase the duties on importation 2-£ p Ct.; I suspect in 
these kind of matters two & two will not always make four: I con- 
fess I think commerce is already pretty well burthened. Be so 
good as remember me to all friends in and about Hillsboro. 
I am 

Dear Sir 

with respect & Esteem 

Your very Hum St 

W. B. Grove 



To James Hogg. 

Phila. Jany. 21st, 1795 
Dear Sir 

About a fortnight ago the Deeds & papers respect- 
ing your Indian purchase came forward, cv at same time I reed, 
yours of the first Decemr. on the subject' — the first opportunity 
was embraced to bring forward the Petition &c they were referred 
as usual to a Committee viz Mr. Smith S. Carolina, Mr. Blount, 2 
Mr Carnes Georgia, & two others who reported they conceived the 
claim of the Transylvania Company's rested on the same ground 
& principle that other claims for Lands in our Western Country, 

fiscated by the British authorities. The parties interested in the merchan- 
dise petitioned Congress to secure compensation but seem never to have been 
successful. 

6 The Western Indians defeated General St. Clair on the Wabash River in 
the Northwest Territory, Nov. 3, 1791, causing general alarm in the whole 
western country. To provide a war fund Congress increased the duties on 
imports and sent out Mad Anthony Wayne to chastise the Indians. 

1 Hoge's interest in the Transylvania hand Company has been explained 
in a former note. Grove was a warm advocate of the claims of the Com- 
pany. This letter within itself very clearly outlines the nature of the Com- 
pany's claims and the nature of its activities up to 1795. 

2 Thomas Blount, member of Congress from North Carolina 1793-1799; 
1803-1800; 1811-1812. He was a brother of Wm. Blount of Tennessee, sena- 
tor from that state and expelled by the senate July 8, 1797, for exciting hos- 
tile incursions against Spain in the Louisiana Territory. 



50 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

which had been ceded to theUn. States, & therefore that the Peti- 
tion &c. of the Compy. should be referred to the Committee of the 
whole House who had under consideration the Subject of the Peti- 
tion of Thomas Person 3 & others with certain Resolutions of the 
North Carolina Legislature — Mr Macon 4 & myself were of a differ- 
ent opinion, & he stated the reasons why the claims of the Com- 
pany & other holders of Land in the Western Country differed 
from each other in some important points; but they were referred 
without any Special Reports and are now before the Committee of 
the whole House with the other claims of our State for La mis in 
the Territory ceeded to the Cherokees; What the fate of the busi- 
ness will be is quite uncertain, tho I assure you, I fear not favour- 
able. 

An opinion is very generally entertained here that North Caro- 
lina had no good right to sell those Lands untill the Indian rights 
had been fairly purchased, or extinguished, and the Members from 
the State are not in possession of any Document to prove that has 
been done, since the Treaty held by authority of the State at Long 
Island of Holstein in May 1777 — whereby the Indians seem to 
have been much favoured by the Boundary lines, & Treated with 
as a Free & Independent People — That Treaty of 1777 & the Hope- 
well Treaty were less favourable to the Whites, than the late 
Treaty at Holstein by Govr. Blount, and therefore say many of 
the Members of Congress the right of the Company's purchase in 
1775 was affected by the Treaty of No. Carolina in 1777, and 
therefore No. C. should settle the affair with the Company, A: that 
the grant from the State to the Coy. in 1783-1 for 200,000 acres of 
that Land which the State had actually in 1777 guaranteed by 
Treaty to the Cherokees, could not he a good grant, untill the In- 
dian boundaries was altered by Treaty to include that Land ; or 
untill the State had some better right to it than a Law (of one 
party only) — 

It is true we have' no evidence of consent on the part of the In- 



3 Thomas Person, of Granville, likewise had a state grant of land in the 
limits of the present State of Tennessee. 

4 Nathaniel Macon, M. C. from North Carolina, was the leader of the 
Republican party in North Carolina and exceedingly influential in Congress. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 51 

dians to renlenguish any part of the Lands Becured to them in 

1777 — and here we must insist on the right & Custom of Conquest 
after 77, in consequence of a Violation on the part of theCherokees 
of that very Treaty of 1777; & urge the Law of No Carolina passed 
in 1783 — for opening the Land office & declaring the Indian 
boundaries & hunting grounds — as the terms of the Conquerers — 
that this Law is neither against the Laws of Justice or Nations, 
that tis only taking into possession & preparing for Cultivation a 
Territory within the Chartered Limits of the Slate not actually 
occupied by Men — & to defray the expenses of the War against 
the Natives who were leagued with the Common Enemy — that 
regard & proper attention to the Natives are not neglected in as 
much as a tract of Country nearly 200 miles by 40 is reserved for 
them including nearly all their actual places of residence &c &c 
&c— I cannot here omit saying that in my opinion the State of 
No. C. had it fully in her power before the Cession to Congress to 
have put every discussion or argument of this Subject out of the 
question — That Henderson & Co. did fairly extinguish the Indian 
claims to the Lands named in the Deeds appears to me clear 
enough, but whether the titles to these lands could with propriety 
Vest in them is a question I cant pretend to decide fully — if the 
title however did not vest In them, it surely did in the Community 
or State of which they were Members or Citizens Viz No. Ca. and 
they should have been fully ((• generously compensated for such 
eminent Service to the Community, and that community should 
have enjoyed the advantages of the enterprize of their fellow Citi- 
zens — but I believe our State declared the purchase of the Coy. 
Void, and did not pretend to derive any advantage from it — this 
was perhaps wrong. When our Troops marched into & subdued 
these Cherokees in 1776, 80 or 81 — after they had broken the 
Treaty of 1777 there might most certainly have been obtained by 
Consent (through fear) some acknowledgment from them, either 
that they would remain at Peace under the Protection ofN. Carolina, 
or that they would agree the line fixed in 1777 should be so far 
altered as to pay for the expenses of the War with Lands to the 
West of that line — Nothing of this kind was done on the part of 
No. C. whilst So. Carolina availed herself of that state of things to 



52 ' James Sprunt Historical Publications 

substantiate claims for some of her Western Country — We have to 
encounter with another great difficulty in ascertaining how and 
where the several treaty lines run, & those lines in the Compy's 
deed on Powell & Holstein Rivers to point out the part & probable 
quantity of Land included in the Cession to the Cherokees at the 
late Treaty — We have a map of the So. Ws. Territory made by 
Doer. Williamson 5 from materials furnished by Genl Smith of 
Cumberland as tis said, but all persons who know anything of 
Powell River, Valley & mountains — Holstein, Cloud Creek &c &c 
assert that the Map is most incorrect as respects that part of the 
Country in particular — Which you will see is a great misfortune 
as in that quarter all the Treaty Boundaries & purchases begin — 
and it is in that country where the Company's 200,000 acres are 
granted — I think your grant or patent should have been forward- 
ed & the Law of the State granting the same — It being private is 
not in Iredells Revisal which is only lately discovered — the sever- 
al arguments and objections which I have stated to our claims & 
rights are only those which in private conversation have been off- 
ered, and I mention them to give you some idea of what may be 
expected in a Public discussion 

You may be assured that all the Members from the State will do 
what they can towards effecting Justice to the Company & all 
others claiming Lands under the State But between ourselves so 
great and important a Subject should have very able, Learned & 
Eloquent advocates, this (again between ourselves, as you don't 
know it — ) is Not the case I fear — don't suppose I mean any 
demerit to the Del n, 6 1 am certain we all mean well, but you 

5 Dr. Hugh Williamson, of North Carolina, member of the Philadelphia 
Conventien that framed the Federal Constitution ; member of the Congress 
of the Confederation from 1784 to 1787; member of Congress from 1790 to 
1793. Dr. Williamson was a physician, naturalist, and historian. For an 
extended sketch of this interesting personality see Wheeler's History of North 
Carolina, II., 91, et seq. 

6 Delegation from North Carolina in the halls of Congress. Evidently 
Grove wishes to transfer the burden of the canipany's interests from the 
shoulders of the North Carolina delegation to the hands of counsel paid by 
the company : yet he does not wish it to appear that he is not zealous for his 
constituents' interests. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 53 

know better than I can tell you what one might say of us all: a 
Man may be very capable of judging & forming a tolerable just idea 
& determination on a subject when he hears all the arguments, 
takes all the evidence that may be offered, who would make a bad 
hand of stating & sinning up all these arguments with decency — 
In short one may be an Excellent Jury man, who would be a bad 
advocate or Lawyer — and a number of reasons seem to impress 
me with a belief that the subject of our claims are more properly 
a Judicial question, than a matter of Legislative interference, in 
the first instance Was there any Court Competent to the Subject — 

You shall hear from me as soon as anything is done in this busi- 
ness, & therefore shall proceed to other matters of Congressional 
deliberation &c 

We have passed a Law for raising the pay of the Militia to 6 2-3 
Dollars per Month when called into service I hope & believe there 
may be few occations to trouble them — but you recollect there 
was much uneasiness on this subject last summer in our State. 7 
Some further Amendmants are proposed to the Militia Law — in- 
cluding a proposition of arming those Citizens who are not able to 
purchase & equip themselves &c — a Bill has passed our House 
amending the Naturalization Law, 8 prolonging the time of Resi- 
dence to 5 years before Aliens can become Citizens and to make 
Noblemen & others holding titles in Europe renounce such titles 
before they are admitted to the rights of Citizens — these amend- 
ments have been brought forward & advocated under the impress- 
ion that most of the Emigrants to this Country at this time & per- 
haps for some time to come, are very highly charged with one or 
other of two political manias — the spirit of Aristocracy or of anar- 
chy — both have indeed been in some cases evident — but I confess 
I was not so fully impressed with the Necessity or policy of this 
Law as seemed to be generally the case with the Members — altho 
there are & may be some such Characters, I am persuaded the 

7 Caused by the general opposition to the federal Excise Law, culminating 
in Pennsylvania in the so-called "Whiskey Rebellion" in 1794, the summer 
previous to the date of this letter. 

8 This Amended Naturalization Bill passed into law and was approved 
January 29, 1795. 



54 James Sprurd Historical Publications 

good sense of the whole will never give way to their follies, and 
mad views I feared such a Law might check the spirit of Emegra- 
tion to this Country, which in my opinion for a Century to come 
should be encouraged by every reasonable means; I am led to this 
impression the more strongly by being a Southern Man ; 9 tho many 
differ with me as to the policy of this Subject — 

A very important subject is under consideration as respects the 
whole community, tis the forming and establishing a Systematick 
plan by Law for paying off and Sinking the Public debt 10 — I think 
it will be done, & if we remain at peace & our Revenues continue 
increasing as for 2 years past & Government not extravagant, the 
whole may be paid in 12 years, by redemption & purchase on the 
part of Govert. without one penny additional tax — then being out 
of debt the Government will have no excuse to continue any 
Revenue Law" which may be thought impolitic or injurious — I 
confess myself in favor of applying every nerve of the Governt. 
towards melting down that Public debt which hangs over us, & 
which has in many cases been considered as a Colossus of Specu- 
lation 12 which had infused itself into the Administration of our 
Federal Counsils to the dishonour &c. of C - gr — Whether this be 
true, or not is not in my power to answer but I fear there has been 
too much reason to found such an opinion on and from my heart 
as a Man, as a friend to Justice, to the Constitution & the Peace of 
my Country, I lament it — and the sooner the possibility of such 

9 (Trove was singularly clear-sighted as to the needs of his own section, 
though the vision of many of his compatriots had already begun to be 
obscured by the incubus of slavery. 

10 Upon the meeting of the 4th Congress in March, 1795, it was found that 
the Republicans were in a majority in the lower house, quite a safe one at 
first. This majority determined upon retrenchment in public finance as a 
rebuke to the Federalist party. Grove, despite his ardent Federalist princi- 
ples, sympathized with this purpose of his party opponents and lent it his 
encouragement. Temporarily defeated, the plan was resumed when Jeffer- 
son became president in 1801. 

11 A reference to the federal Excise Law, passed by Congress May 8, 1702, 
and repealed by the Republican Congress in 1802. 

12 The assumption of State debts by the federal government daring the 
first Congress gave rise to much speculation in the public securities that to a 
degree cast discredit upon Hamilton's wise financial policy. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 55 

an influence (if it does exist,) is removed the better — and there- 
fore instead of Indian Wars &c Let us pay our Debts — and make 
a fair start — for so far as I am capable of judging from experience 
in our own Country, and reading of others — I think a large Pub- 
lic debt the very opposite to a Public Blessing — 

I make no doubt you partake in the general anxiety respecting 
the result of our Demand &c at the Court of St. James, 13 & at the 
Silence of the President on that subject he having not laid before 
either House one Syllable of Mr Jay's Communication — Some 
here think this amiss in him, but perhaps while the business is in 
a fair train & nearly completed it might be improper to disclose 
parts— therefore We are on the top of hope & expectation that all 
things are well, & like to be better in a little time — before the 
Sessn. closes we must know everything, or — the public mind will 
begin to despaii — If events in Europe can have any influence on 
the British Court ( & 1 confess to think they must have important 
effects ) these events seem to favour our Expectations to obtain all 
our Just demands — 

I have seen a letter of the 2d. Nov. from a Merchant of Conse- 
quence in London to one of that kind here, which enters into 
detail of the nature & objects of Negoceation between the British 
& American Ministers, he says Commissrs. are to be appointed to 
fix on the Boundary to the No. Es. as fixed in the Treaty viz to 
determine on the proper River St Croix — that all our Western 
Forts are to be immediately delivered to us — that Commissrs. are to 
assertain the loss of Negroes actually taken by the British during the 
War & payment made — that all kinds of impediment are to be 
removed respecting the payment & recovery of old British debts — 
and that we are to have a free trade to the Ws. Indies for Vessels 
of or under 120 tons — altho all these things are probable, politic, 
& just as respects both Nations, remember tis Merchants News — 

13 John Jay, of New York, had been sent to England in May 1794 to ne- 
gotiate a treaty of commerce with that country and to settle all outstanding 
differences left over from 'lie Peace of Paris in 1783. As is well known, the 
treaty when finally effected was entirely unsatisfactory to the bulk of opinion 
in this country, yet the Federalist party, in an extra session of the Senate, 
was strong enough to force its ratification despite the storm of protest 
throughout the country. 



56 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

that I may have the pleasure of Conferming it all & more from 
official information before the 3 of March is my Sincere prayer — 
That Prusia has solicited and obtained Peace with the French 
Republic 14 Is Confermed from all quarters — that Spain & Germany 
are Negotiating to that end with the French is also most certain — 
that the States of Holland are Willing & must accept any terms is 
evident for the French are nearly in Possession of their Whole 
Country — The French begin to treat the Conquered People with 
the strictest Justice & respect, & propose to grant the request of 
the States of Holland, upon their, in every respect detaching them- 
selves from England & its interest — Indeed it seems to be the 
whole bent of the Convention & Nation of France to establish the 
River Rhine as the extent and boundary of the Republic & to have 
Peace with all the World but their old Rival and Enemy Gr Brit- 
ain, who it seems they are Resolved to have one fair Campaign 
with, perhaps with a view of paying that Nation in coin, as to dic- 
tating a Form of Government for them — What the consequences 
and results of all these transactions will come to the L — d only 
knows — but I hope the Spirit of Moderation & humanity which 
seems at present predominant in the Convention may bring about 
a Speedy & glorious Peace to the advantage of the real liberty & 
happeness of Mankind, in those Nations more particularly where 
the reverse has been too prevalent. 

That the French meditate some attack on G. B. and the Ws. 
Indies seems the more probable, from the circumstance, that the 
Paris papers say the Govt, are aware that too many of their Vast 
armies should not be discharged at once & brought into the Body 
of the Nation, before all things on a firm & proper basis are form- 
ed on a Constitution & Laws &c. and therefore to humble the pride 
&c &c of the British Court may be a proper object of Employment 



14 The Republic of France, established September 2, 1792, was now rapid- 
ly moving along that aggressive course which was to lead the nation into con- 
flict with all Europe and was finally to culminate in Waterloo, 1815. All 
public men in America were profoundly interested in European affairs during 
all this period, and especially in that the influences of the European conflict 
created the largest political problems of the young American Republic dur- 
ing its first quarter century of life. 



James' 'Sprunt Historical Publication* 57 

of a half a million or so of their brave Sans Ctdottes IS — This may 
prove an obstinate and Vexatious Job to them for altho John Bull 
has been shamefully treated in this War, & much of his treasure 
exhausted yet if all his family cv: Connections unite and make War 
their object without regard to Commerce as the French have done, 
they would make a formidable and dredfuU resistance — 

For my own part I dont think tis the real Intert. of America 
that the Navy of Gr. Britain should be so formadable as it is, for 
it makes them very arrogant & dictatorial to People they have no 
business with, & therefore I wish that part of their force lessened — 

Yet remember I should not like even our friends the French, to 
have a Very decided Superiority on the ocean to all other Nations 
in War Ships, and therefore I believe it would not be amiss for 
them to distroy each others Floating War Machines down to a 
moderate number — the Peace, Happiness, & Expenses of their 
own People would be bettered by such an event — and the Ameri- 
cans would have less to fear of either, of their future ambition or 
mad projects — 

I now thank you for your favr. of the 2d. Jany from Hillsboro — 
the former part of this letter answers it so far as respects the Land 
business. 

I assure you I feel much obliged "for the acct. you gave me of the 
affair between Bob & [One word illc, ible] by same post that 
brt. your last. Mr Taylor' from Raleigh just mentioned some- 
thing of the affair, in a slight & hasty manner, which would have 
made me very uneasy but for your letter, giving a full account of 
the cause & manner of Bob's attack on his old tutor;' 7 however 
from your information of the business I approve of Bob's conduct, 
only that he did not I fear give the Fellow a sufficient drubbing — 



15 A name of reproach and ridicule conferred by the French aristocrats 
upon those belonging to the extreme republican party, the members of which 
had rejected short breeches, as an article of dress peculiar to the Upper 
clrsses. 

16 John Louis Taylor, of Fayetteville, (Trove's home, is very probably 
meant here. lie was a member of the State Commons in 1792, 1793, 1794; 
in 1798 he was elected a judge of the Superior Court, and in 1818 a judge of 
the Supreme Court. 

17 I have been unable to determine who was Bob or his tutor. 



58 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

for surely there could not have been in my mind a Baser, more 
brutal, unmanly behaviour than your account of [One word illegi- 
ble] conduct — to be sure the Fellow is lost to every sense of De- 
cency and I hope all who have any pretentions to it will treat him 
accordingly — 

I ask pardon for this Long letter, when I sit down to write or 
taulk to you, I generally forget how the time passes until the Bell 
rings — Be so good as remember me with respectful compliments to 
all my Female friends & acquaintances in Hillsboro; and say to 
any of my acquaintances among the Gentlemen that I should be 
glad to hear from them — 

Pray how does Mr. Ker' a go on at Chapel Hill and is things like 
to do well there ; the more I think of that Seminary & the State of 
our Country I mean No. C. — the more anxiou" T am for its suc- 
cess — our Country wants Men of literature more than any other 
want on earth — 

Morse's Book 19 has injured the reputation of our State extreme- 
ly, by his false, infamous account of the Country & its inhabi- 
tants — the Book being the first of its kind published in America 
since the Revolution was bought with avidity by Europeans, & has 
undergone a French & German Edition — Dr. Williamson proposes 
writing the History 20 of the State & I have Subd for 3 Copies, he is 
a man of such prejudices that T fear all that time which he has 
acted so conspicuous a part in the State — which is from his first 
coming into it, that the Book will not be much prized — however 
the early part of the History will probabty be correct, for he has 
great industry in procuring materials — some say he furnished 
Morse with some of the most objectional parts of his acct. of the 



18 Dr. David Ker, first professor and also, as Presiding Professor, the first 
executive of the University of North Carolina which institution had just been 
opened Jan. 15, 1795, six days before the date of Grove's letter. 

19 American Universal Geography, by Jedidiah Morse, D. D. This book 
reached its fifth edition in 1812, being published in that year by Thomas and 
Andrews, Boston, Mass. 

20 Williamson's History of North Carolina appeared in 1812. Grove proved 
to be singularly correct in his estimate of the probable value of William- 
son's work, parts of it being of unusual value, due in the main to the author's 
indefatigability in the collection of material. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 59 

State, if I thought so I would despise him — 

Carey is now pu 1)1 ishing a Geography of the Un States, and I 
have got him to expunge all Morse's libels — and Gov. Martin 2 ' 
has written several little additions to the acct. of the State, that 
in some measure may commence a refutation of that illiberal and 
ignorant authors Book — (Morse's) — I have taken care that our 
Town & Wilmington should not be unnoticed — as respects their 
Trade &c &c 

I intended to bid you Adieu two sheets ago but finding myself 
entering on the last side of the fifth sheet & 20th . page — I feel 
compassion for your Patience and bid you Farewell, with a confi- 
dance that he who writes or taulks much must be troublesome to 
his friends — pray then forgive all the Superfluous of this letter 
and 

believe me 

with esteem 

your friend 

& very Hum. Ser. 

W B Grove 



To James Hogg 

Phila. June 24th. 1797 

Dear Sir 

Mr Rich & Mr McDonald the Commis- 
sioners on the part of G Britain arrived in May, & met Colo Innis' 
& Mr. Fitzsimmons the Commissrs. on the part of the U States for 
adjusting the Business of the old British debts agreeably to Treaty, 
a Mr Guilmard was nominated by the British for the 5th Com- 

21 Alexander Martin of Guilford, elected governor of North Carolina in 
1782 and again in 1789; member of Philadelphia Constitutional Convention, 
1787, and United States Senator 1793-1799. 

1 Colonel Henry Innis of Virginia, afterward federal District Judge in 
Kentucky before whom was had the Frankfort hearing of Aaron Burr just 
before the latter's conspiracy was uncovered in 1806. 



(50 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

missr. , & Mr Ames 2 on the part of the U States ; the Lot fell on the 
former; they have formed a Board and are ready to enter on the 
subject of their appointment, as you will see by their notice in the 
Ns papers; No Business has been yet brought before them, & Mr 
Innis with whom I am in habits of intimacy, tells me they have 
agreed on no particular principles yet, as to the mode & manner of 
establishing claims; He is opinion all claims must have gone 
through the Courts of Law before they can be entered on, by Com- 
missioners, who he thinks have not by the Treaty Original Juris- 
diction, this however he fears is a point to be contended, and 
should it be settled in such a way as to extend the powers of the 
Commissn., from whose decision there is no appeal he expresses 
an apprehension that considerable sums may be awarded against 
the U States, which were not intended by the Treaty to be covered. 

Mr Innis says he finds a disposition on the part of some of. the 
Gentlemen to make this place the permanent Seat of the Board, 
but that he shall urge a removal to the South in the fall : agents 
will be appointed to attend to the interests of the U States, to 
obtain testimony & prevent frauds & Collusions &c — A report was 
some time ago in circulation that the Commissn. in London for 
adjusting claims for Spoliations had refused to proceed, it seems 
this is not so; the Court of Appeals had indeed adjourned, which 
might retard the decisions of the Commiss. for a short time. I 
suppose tis not improbable but the failure of the Federal Court in 
N. C. 3 may have a like tendency — I regret really that our State 
has been so unfortunate in failures of this kind, which must 
increase the dissatisfaction of many, & bring those Courts into dis- 
repute. — 

Our affairs with France wear's a gloomy aspect, and yet many 



2 Fisher Ames of Massachusetts, ardent Federalist, member of Congress 
from his State, famous political orator, one of his best known speeches being 
that in defense of the Jay Treaty made April 28, 1796, two weeks after the 
Senate had ratified that document. 

3 A quorum of the Judges of the Circuit Court for the District of North 
Carolina did not attend for the June term, 1797, hence there was no court. 
This made necessary a congressional act, approved July 5, 1797, for review- 
ing and continuing suits and processes. See Annals of Congress, 5th Cong., 
1797-1799. Vol. III., 3692. Acts of Cong. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 61 

have hopes that matters will he more amicably adjusted by our 
new mission of Envoys 4 Extraory. ; I most fervently hope it may 
be so, and for the sake of the Peace & happiness of our Country We 
should suppress the honest indignation excited by their injuries & 
insults, 5 provided they adjust matters with Justice & liberality — I 
can not omit saying what I firmly believe, that many among us 
have been induced to justify the French more from the enthusiasm 
we felt at the blaze of their Successes, than from any candid inves- 
tigation which can be made into their Conduct towards the Uni- 
ted States — I suspect those 6 in our own Country who blame the 
American Government for pursuing measures calculated to main- 
tain the Neutrality of the Country, have themselves been neutral, and 
therefore blame the Constituted authorities because their acts did 
not go the length of their mad Views — While we rejoice at the pros- 
pect of a great Nation obtaining rational Liberty, we ought not to 
forget the Duty & respect we owe to our own rights & Country. 

Congress will rise in seven or eight days, without doing any 
thing more of Consequence than taking some preparitory steps for 
Defence in case of the worst. 

The Spanish Government has refused to run the line from the 
Mississippi agreeably to Treaty 7 and offer some very flimsy pre- 

4 This was Adams' first mission to France, composed of Charles Pinckney, 
John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry, the treatment of whom by France re- 
sulted in the famous X.Y.Z. affair. 

5 France was in a deadly grapple with England and resented America's 
policy of neutrality. Her minister, Fauchet, accused the America, govern- 
ment of the violation and inexecution of treaties, one of which, made in 1778, 
he regarded as an offensive and defensive aliiance; the other of amity, navi- 
gation, and commerce under which France claimed the right of bringing 
prizes into United States ports, and of fitting out ships against her enemies, 
all of which the American government opposed. 

6 Grove's complaint here is directed against the Republican party, whose 
sympathies were pro-French. The Federalists' sympathies were with the 
English in the great international conflict. In case the policy of neutrality 
was abandoned the Republicans wished to fight England, wlile the Federal- 
ists wished to fight France. 

7 In 1796 the United States had affected a treaty with Spain by which the 
Mississippi River was to be opened, New Orleans made a port of deposit for 
three years, and the thirty-first degree of latitude agreed upon as part of the 
southern boundary of the United States. But in 1797 this excellent treaty 



62 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

tences for this Conduct, but it is pretty well understood that 
French influence is the real cause, & it is said the Florida's & 
Louisiania 8 is to be relenquished to the Republic; perhaps Canada 
may also fall into their hands — If so I fear from their power and 
ambition, they may become troublesome neighbors to this Country. 

The Empiror has certainly been driven into a separate Peace in 
consequence of the wonderful victories of the French armies, the 
terms have been dictated by Buonaparte 9 under the direction of the 
Directory; a Congress is to be held at Basle' at which some of the 
German Princes & G. Britain are to be permitted to send Negociators 
to effect a general Peace ; in the mean time it seems from French 
papers the Republic are resolved to annihilate the British Govern- 
ment & destroy her Naval power if she can — 

If these things are effected it must have great and important 
consequences on the affairs of Europe and the Commercial Wourld, 
and I am not persuaded but it would have an unhappy influence 
on the affairs of our own Country; for either France, or G Britain 
to have such a Complete power over the other, would destroy rival- 
ship which has at times prevented both nations from overrunning 
the rights of others. 

Be so good as remember me to all friends & believe to be with 
esteem D Sir 

Your Hum Sert. 

W. B. Grove 



seemed for a time likely to fail. Spain had taken offense at the Jay Treaty 
with England and refused for a time to rnn out the boundary line which 
separated her possessions from those of the United States. 

8 West Florida and Louisiana were both possessions of Spain at this date. 
Louisiana was ceded by Spain to Napoleon at the secret treaty of San Ilde- 
fonso, 1800. 

9 Those terms were not actually signed between Emperor Francis II and 
Bonaparte until October 17, 1797. It. was the treaty of Campo Formio dicta- 
ted by Bonaparte to Francis, one hundred miles from Vienna and after his 
wonderful victories in northern Italy. By it the Emperor agreed to the ex- 
tension of France over the Netherlands and the Rhenish Provinces, and the 
virtual annexation of Lombardy, Modena, and the Papal States, while Aus- 
tria was allowed to take over the ancient Republic of Venice. 

10 This Congress actually met at Rastadt, November, 1797, but did noth- 



James Sprunt Historical Publication* 63 

To James Hogg. 

Philadelphia Decern. 18. 1797 

Dear Sir 

I wrote you a few lines sometime ago and expect short- 
ly to have the pleasure of an answer, In the mean time tis proper 
I should give you some information on the subject of your Money 
put into my Hands to be vested in some public fund here — In the 
first place the Gold when weighed at the Bank amounted to $807.37- 
of course you lost $2.61 — as the sum you gave me was $810.1 — 
but had not the enclosed moidore (contained in parcel No 1 — ) 
proved base, your money would have over run your calculation — 
It was cut at the bank. — This money I deposited in the Bank on 
the 18th. Nov. — and have since Deposited the $500 you gave me 
in paper. 

I mentioned to you that Mr Steele 1 & others had advised the 
purchase of Bank Stock, Viz Bank Shares, in preference to 6 p Ct. 
Stock as less liable to fluctuation or depreciation — Bank Stock is 
above par, & the other something below, but on further enquiries 
into the subject I dont perceive so much difference in their actual 
Value as I at first apprehended — for instance a Bank Share say 
$400 sells at 23 to 25 pr Ct. advance, and the Dividend on this is 
generally 7 p Ct. to 8 p Ct. half yearly — 6 p Ct. Stock is about 17 
having had 2 years of the original principal of 2 p Ct. on each 
$100 paid agreeably to Law, and the redemption continues to go 
on at that rate quarter yearly until the whole debt shall be re- 
deemed — this redeemable quality in the Debt of the U. States, les- 
sens its value with Stock Jobbers. But tis an admirable plan for 
the public to get rid of the Debt — and should not be deviated 
from under No Circumstances; but in case of War or any great pub- 

ing beyond the ratification of the secret articles of the treaty of Campo For- 

mio. England was not represented and continued the war against France. 

1 John Steele, of Salisbury, N. C, Comptroller of the United States Treas- 
ury under Washington's and Adams' administrations, and for two years 
under Jefferson. He resigned his post in the fall of 1802. 



64 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

He disturbance, this redemption of principal as well as payment of 
interest might be delayed; but I hope & trust neither will happen, 
notwithstanding the gloomy prospect of things for some time past 
as regards our affairs with France. I have advised also with Mr 
John Storey, 2 the friend of Mr Jno Hogg, 3 who I shall get to do 
the necessary Business as regards the purchase of the Stock &c. 
which I shall attend to, so as to see the proper transfer made — 

The reason why nothing has been yet done, is, that it being so 
near the end of the year, & quarter Mr S. thinks it best to purchase 
so as to commence from the first of Jany., and he is now casting 
about for a sum to or near the amt of Cash, I hope ere long to give 
you further accounts, and I am now the more particular to afford 
you a better idea of these matters than perhaps you may have 
had before — 

We have had more harmony in Congress than usual, & I hope a 
Continuance of it, tho' there has been very little yet before us of a 
nature to Excite the Spirit of Party — I send you the Report of 
our Committee of last Sessn . & the Documents relative to Blounts 
Conspiracy 4 — you will perceive Mr Liston 5 gave more Countenance 
to the Scheme, than had been apprehended, and I would not be 
surprised if the President should request his recall ; it would grati- 
fy many who think Mr L. has had more to do in the Business than 
has ever appeared, & it would silence those who wish to make a 
Charge of partiality against the Government — You will also dis- 
cover an attempt to insinuate that the Secrty. of State 6 was desir- 

2 Probably a stock broker of Philadelphia. 

3 Cousin of James Hogg. John Hogg was a merchant, doing business in 
both Fayetteville and Wilmington and residing in the main in the latter 
town. 

4 William Blount, first United States Senator from Tennessee, impeached 
before the bar of the Senate and expelled for exciting the Indians and Ten- 
nessee and Kentucky adventurers to make hostile incursions against Spanish 
territory. 

5 Robert Liston, minister to the United States from Great Britain, was 
included in the plan to make war on the Spanish Floridas. It was for co-op- 
eration with this English scheme of wresting the Floridas from Spain that 
Wm. Blount was impeached. 

6 Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State under Adams. 



James Sjrrunt Historical Publications 65 

ous to screen the British Minister — I suspect the insinuation pro- 
ceeded from Malice, or a misunderstanding of Eatons 7 information 
to Ripley. 

Our Envoys 8 are at Paris, but We yet know nothing of their pros- 
pects; I need not tell you that We are all anxiety on this Subject. 
As the result of their Mission I apprehend must have an important 
influence on the affairs of this Country, T earnestly hope it may be 
favourable to Reason & Justice. 

There is some flying Report that French Garrisons are in some 
or all of the Ports on the Mississippi I hope tis not true nor never 
may be; they are too Powerful and Ambitious to be honest and 
Just Neighbors. 9 

Few arrivals latterly from Europe, but what have long passages ; 
but information has got here from several quarters that Admrl. 
Duncan 10 had a most severe action the 12th. Oct. with the Dutch 
Fleet — 8 or 9 of the Dutch line of Battle Ships are taken and 
some of the British Vessels nearly disabled — 

It was expected that 3 years after the Mint began to Coin, there 
would be a Sufficiency of the Silver Coins of the Ud. States in cir- 
culation," to admit the calling in such silver Coins as are supposed 
to have more alloy than is proper, but it is proved to be otherwise, 
& the time admitting those coins to circulate will be prolonged, 
as well as for gold coins — 

7 Probably General William Eaton, a captain at this date on the Seminole 
frontier in Georgia, later, in Jefferson's administration the real hero of the 
Tripolitan war. 

8 Pinckney, Marshall, and Gerry. Grove's fears were fully realized a lit- 
tle later in the X.Y.Z. explosion. 

9 The general American dread of France as a neighbor on our southwest- 
ern border accounts for Jefferson's disregard of constitutional scruples and 
his hasty purchase of the Louisiana territory in 1803 after it had been trans- 
ferred by Spain to France in 1800. 

10 Admiral Duncan, of the English navy, defeated the Dutch fleet off Cam - 
perdown, on the coast of Holland, Oct., 11, 1797. The Dutch were allied 
with the French. 

11 An act of Congress in 1793 had provided that, three years from the day, 
on which the first silver coin and again three years from the day on which 
the first gold coin was struck at the mint, gold and silver bearing the stamp 
of foreign powers should, save Spanish milled dollars and parts thereof, 



f>6 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

The Stamp tax 12 will not go into operation until 1st. July — I 
hope we shall alter and amend the Excise Law 13 so as to remove 
your objections, in part, at least — by permitting the Distillers to 
enter for one week, at any time through the year, and from Week 
to Week as they may think proper — 

I will thank you to remember me to my friends Mr & Mrs Estes 
and inform them, I mean to write Mr Estes soon — I suppose they 
have heard of my Brother Robert Rowan 14 affliction with the Rheu- 
matism. 

When he arrived at New York from the Lakes he was as help- 
less as a Child, he could neither use hands or legs — I Visited him 
immediately on hearing of his situation, & am happy to saj 7 he 
was much better before he left New York for Wilmington, & that 
the Medical Men say they have no doubt but that the warm cli- 
mate, warm bath & Electricity will soon restore him — Be pleased 
to offer my respects to your family <k be assured I am Dear Sir, 
with Esteem 

yr. Hum Ser. 

W B Grove 



cease to be legal tender. In 1797 when the three years had expired it was 
found that the TJ. S. mint had not supplied a sufficient coinage, hence the 
time had to be extended. 

12 In anticipation of war with France the Federal Congress in 1797 pass- 
ed a stamp act that required a revenue stamp on such documents as insur- 
ance policies, merchants' bonds, promissory notes, hills of exchange, law 
licenses, and many other documents. It fell under severe criticism of the 
Republican party in Congress and was repealed in 1802. 

13 This was the Fxcise Law of 1791 against which the Pennsylvania distil- 
lers rose in 1794; repealed during Jefferson's first term, hut reimposed in 
Madison's administration under pressure of expense of war with England. 

14 Half-brother of Grove. Grove's mother, as a widow, married Robert 
Rowan, of Fayetteville, who gave the name Rowan Street in that town. The 
elder Rowan was a member of the General Assembly from Cumberland coun- 
ty in 1778, 1779, 1785. A daughter, Susan Rowan, became the first wife of 
Dr. Joseph Caldwell, first president of the University of North Carolina. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 67 

To James Hogg. 

Phila. Jany 18h. 1798 

Dear Sir 

I some time ago directed Clement Biddle, Broker, to 
purchase Stock of the U. States to the amount of your money say 
Sixteen hundred & Seven Hollars & 37 cents, & by mistake he has 
omitted to invest 7 Dollars 37 cents — I now send you enclosed a 
Regisd. Certificate being the evidence of the sum standing on the 
Books of the Treasury of the U. States to your credit, the interest, 
and reimbursement of 2 p Ct. thereof, can only be drawn by your 
atty for that purpose. 

Mr. Biddle 's acct. if inclosed by which you will see the real 
state & nature of your Stock, leaving in my hands 7 Dolls. A: 37 
Cents subject to your order, or to be added to any other sum you 
may choose to invest in this way — 

In reply to your enquiries how monies can be got from our 
Country to this place, I can give you no information unless you 
can meet with Bank notes. 

I have made some enquiries about the Value and probability of 
selling your Lands in Tennessee & Kentucky within Henderson 
grants'; I am told these Lands must become Valuable, but at pres- 
ent not more than half a Dollr. could be had for the Kentucky 
Land, & the Value of Powels Valley will depend on the extin- 
guishment of the Indian claims, and this event is likely to take 
place shortly, as the President has nominated Mr Ad. Moore 2 of 
N. C. Bushrod Washington 3 of Virga. & Fisher Ames, 4 to hold a 
Treaty with the Cherokees under hope that they may be prevailed 



1 The Transylvania Land Company, explained in an earlier note. 

2 Alfred Moore, senior, of Brunswick, N. C, Attorney General of North 
Carolina, 1790-1798 ; Superior Court Judge 1798-1799; Associate Justice of 
the United States Supreme Court 1799-1805; resigned on accountofU] health, 
and died Oct., 15, 1810. 

3 Relative of President Washington, member of Congress from Virginia, 
appointed by Adams an Associate Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. 

4 Fisher Ames, of Massachusetts, noted earlier. 



P)S James Sprunt Historical Publications 

on to sell & relinquish some of their Lands to which the white 
People have legal claims under N. Carolinia, and I am induced to 
think tis probable, that part of the Country where your Lands are 
situated is the most likely to be given up b} r the Indians — 

I hope Mr Moore may be prevailed on to accept and act in this 
Business; there are very considerable interest in No. Carolina de- 
pending on this matter, & indeed the Peace of the Country is in 
some measure at stake, for the honest claimants will never be at 
ease until they see a fair attempt made on the part of the U. States 
to obtain those Lands from the Indians, & the weight & respecta- 
bility of the Commissioners will go far in satisfying good Men let 
the result be as it may — I wish the frauds 5 lately discovered at 
Raleigh may not have a bad effect in this Business, I assure every 
Body here, the State ivill sift the matter to the bottom and not permit 
any of those fraudulent claims to prevail — yet it may create 
doubt &c &c 

In haste I am 

D Sir your Hum Sert 

W. B. Grove 



To James Hogg. 

Phila. Jany 18th. 1798 

Dear Sir 

By this mail, & of this date, I have sent you a let- 
ter covering a Certift. of the Six p Ct. Stock which was purchased 
with Sixteen tomdred Dollars Cash at 16/lOd in the pound — I 
hope that letter & its enclosures may arrive safe — you must have 
an atty or agent here to convert your interest & dividend of reim- 
bursement, as it becomes due at the end of each quarter into New 
Capital by this means it has the effect of Compound inters — 

5 Certain frauds in the Land Office at Raleigh under Glasgow. Glasgow 
was removed from office in latter part of 1797 and a commission appointed 
to sift the whole matter. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 69 

The Commissrs. 1 on British debts have done nothing decisive yet, 
as Mr Fitzsimmons tells me; they have been delayed by their Col- 
league Colo [nnis of Virga. who has been very ill; they have how- 
ever been preparing Business and will probably soon proceed to fix 
on principles after that is done they will make pretty short work of 
such claims as may be brought before them — and I fear they will 
bring its in deeper than was expected — this will certainly be the 
case if it is determined to take up any Business that has not gone 
through a Court. 

I am amazed you have not urged your Brothers Creditors" for- 
ward before now; If I have rightly understood the situation of 
that Concern, they have claims for legal impediments if any in 
America have — In my letter, of to-day I have told you what had 
been done towards satisfying the No. Carolina land holders in 
Tennessee; 3 I hope the result of it may be favourable to all sides 
and that Mr. Moore may agree to act as one of the Commissioners — 
I think it would be but Justice that some of the gentry lately taken 
in committing frauds 4 should grace Gallows Hill — Nothing but 
hemp will keep such fellows from preying on the honest part of 
the World I apprehend as long as they live — 

I am both ashamed & chagrined at the Conduct of my old friend 
Genl. Willis; 5 I told him [Words illegible] delicate terms as I 

1 Mr. Rich, Mr. McDonald, and Mr. Guilmard on the part of Great Bri- 
tain and Mr. Innis and Mr. Fitzsimmons on the part of the United States. 

2 James Hogg and his cousin, John, were rnemhers of a mercantile firm 
doing business in Wilmington and Fayetteville and had suffered certain losses 
at the hands of the British during the Revolution. They wi're now looking 
to the commission for an adjustment. 

3 Congress had lately appointed a commission consisting of Bush rod Wash- 
ington of Virginia, Fisher Ames of Massachusetts and Alfred Moore of North 
Carolina to undertake a negotiation with the Cherokee Indians with a view 
extinguishing their claims to lands in Tennessee that had been granted hy 
North Carolina before the cession of Tennessee to the federal government. 

4 The frauds in the land office, mentioned in a former letter and explain- 
ed in note. 

5 I am unable to determine who General Willis was, or the import of this 
reference. It may have been John Willis of Robeson county, member of 
State Senate, 1787-1791, and member of the Commons 1794 and 1795; also a 
trustee of the State University from 1795 to 1801, 



70 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

could that he was [Words illegible~\ the first, but I had no concep- 
tion he would have bottomed his opposition in the manner and on 
the grounds his Petition held forth ; it seemed to be the mere effu- 
sion of Violent Passion directed against a whole People. 
With best regards 

I am Dear Sir 

your Very Hum Ser. 

W. B. Grove 



To James Hogg. 

Phila. Feby 14h. 1798 

Dear Sir 

I have latterly had such a host of letters to answer 
from different parts of the State, that I postponed writing you im- 
mediately after the rect. of yours of the 18 Jany covering a line 
for Mr Storey: 1 I am now to acknowledge that letter, also yours 
of the 26 same month enclosing the unfortunate Generals paper 
War, from which it appears he so exposed his lines as to suffer the 
Enemy to break through them & cover him, v:ith disgrace 

I can assure you I have felt not a little Chagrined at the whole 
of this affair — With you, and many others I entertained a good 
opinion of Genl. Willis, and indeed had a regard for him beyond 
common friendship, and as I was confident he knew it, I took the 
liberty of prevailing on him not to Contest the Election of his 
opponent, and said more to him on that head than I would to most 
of my acquaintances; but he was Resolved, little did I expect he- 
could or would have gone on the ground he has taken — I have 
written my mind to him pretty freely — 

Mr Storey will write you in answer to your letter to him, and 
says lie will attend to your Business, rest assured that I shall at all 
times aid him, in .tny of your desires as to Matters here, with 
pleasure. 



1 A Philadelphia stock broker, referred to in letter of date Dec.. 18, 1767. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 71 

I hope theCertif. of your Stock has reached you in Safety, anP 
that you are not dissatisfied with what I done, tho' I perceive that 
(JpChave fallen to 16/ Sd. 

I should advise you still to lay out your money in Bank Stock, 
a Share originally was 400 Doll, they are over par from 20 to 22 
pC — so one share costs $£80. to £88 — any Surplus over the price 
of a Share to be laid out in 8 pCt. — so you will have all your 
money Vested; and in case of any uproar, war &c. your Bank 
Shares are safest — tho' I am of opinion all the funds are secure, 
yet they may not be so in the public estimation — this is said to be 
a fine time to purchase as the uncertainty of affairs have a greater 
effect on the Stocks than the risk warrants — 

As I wrote you fully on this subject before, I need add nothing 
more; I also asked you the price of your Kentucky Lands &c &c, 
this however is a bad Market I am told for new Lands, yet I might 
fall in with some person inclined to purchase if I could say at what 
price you held them. 

Pray will Mr Moore accept the appoint, of Commissioner to treat 
with the Indians, it is considered of importance here, that some- 
thing should be done If Possible to obtain those Lands from the 
Cherokees — The Executive is fully of this opinion, & therefore he 
made so weighty an appointment as Moore, Washington and Ames. 
In consequence of the Death of Genl Skinner the Commissi'. 2 of 
Loans, our Senators 3 & Mr Steele, 4 recommended Colo Rowan 5 to 
fill that offce, and the President has nomenated him, he will I sup- 
pose be concurred with by the Senate — & the office will be kept at 
Fayette Ville- 

2 Joshua Skinner, of Perquimans county, appointed commissioner of 
loans l>y President Washington; was member of State Senate 17!»0-1794. 

3 Timothy Blood worth, of New Hanover, and Alexander Martin of Guil- 
ford, both Republicans. Bloodworth succeeded Benjamin Hawkins, Feder- 
alist, in 1795, and Martin succeeded Samuel Johnston, Federalist, 1793. 

4 GeneralJohn Steele, of Salisbury, comptroller of the U. S. Treasury 
under Washington, Adams, and throngha part of Jefferson's first term; was 
influential in the distribution of federal patronage in North Carolina. 

5 Robert Rowan, of Fayetteville ; Revolutionary patriot; first signer of the 
"Cumberland Association," .lime 20, 1775, formed for the purpose of resis- 
tance to Britain ; freqnently a member of the state legislature from the Revo, 
lution to 1785. 



72 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

No accounts from our Envoys in France that are official — some 
late news state that 3 Commissrs. are named to adjust differences 
with them at Paris, bad news is apt to travel fast, or I should have 
no hopes left, as things are, I have yet some hopes 6 — 

We have been shamefully perplexed with a Dirty matter com- 
mitted in Congress Hall, by one of the members on the Person of 
another, 7 on the outside of the Bar of the House — you read the 
papers & need say nothing of it, as those Vehicles of Scandal are 
filled with it, to our Shame — It may not be amiss to say Lyon 
spit in the face of Mr Griswould, & we could not expel him for 
this dirty assault — 64 Votes made 2-3d. & 52 only Voted for his 
Expulsion, 44 against it— As an example I wish he had been Ex- 
pelled, it is proper to deal with severity against those who shall 
dare to Violate the Sanctuary of a Deliberative assembly. 

I want to say a great deal more to you, but at present have not 
time — Remember me to all friends, and be assured I am 
D Sir 

with regard & esteem 

y Hum Ser 

W B Grove 

The Snow is 6 inches deep 
d T the river again fast — 



6 See Note 4, letter of date June 24, 1797. 

7 Matthew Lyon, member of Congress from Vermont, rabid Republican 
and very much hated by the Federalists, made an attack on the floor of the 
House upon another member, Roger Gr is wold of Connecticut. The House 
failed to expel him, though he was later tried under the Sedition Act for the 
publication of a letter in a Vermont paper severely criticising the government 
for its "ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, and selfish avarice." He was 
fined $1000 and sent to prison for four months. His friends got up a peti- 
i i<M) for his pardon, hv.t as ho refused to sign it, the President refnsed to par- 
ti !iim. But he wa- triumphantly re-elected to Congress while still in 
pn.-'-n. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 73 

To James Hogg. 

Phila. March 23d 1798 

Dear Sir 

My Correspondents have so increased latterly, which 
in addition to my duty, in these unpleasant times, to extend my 
Communications to my Constituents, has prevented me from 
writing to you for sometime past — your favour of the 21st ult. 
came to hand a few days ago, and afforded me pleasure to hear 
you were well, and that my letter coveting the Certif. of your 
Stock had reached you in safety — I perceive the Value of Stocks 
are affected by the very unpleasant state of affairs with France — 
this is to be expected in any Country, but especially in a young 
Country like ours, where Capitals are invited into a thousand other 
Channels — I cannot think however things can ever become so des- 
perate among us as to induce a departure from the plighted faith 
of the Govert. — It may be Possible the redemption of the 2 p C. 
Capital may be diverted to more pressing objects — I say thus 
much to you as I presume you may feel some anxiety on this 
score — for myself I feel none, having never had one penny of 
Funded debt, or Bank stock in my Life — this ha< been owing to 
a thousand reasons, but one of them alone was sufficient — viz I had 
it never in my Power or inclination to purchase — 

To you it is unnecessary to go into detail on the state of our 
affairs with France,' you can & have investigated with coolness 
and candour the unremitted Solicitude of the Govert. of the Uni- 
ted States to maintain Peace & amity with the French, while they 
have been trying how far they can insult Plunder & degrade us, 
because we w^erenot disposed to make our Country a Tool to their 
Views & ambitions — I have on every occasion from the present 
Revolution in France felt and expressed the most sincere hope that 



1 Tie X.Y.Z. disclosures had readied I'hiladelphia March 5, and left 
Adams' government sorely pcrpled and offended. Grove, as an ardent Fed- 
eralist, shared the sentiments of that party relative to that course <•!' Ameri- 
ca's relations with France. In this letter he is adroitly using the insult from 
France to justify to his constituents his well known anti-French attitude. 



74 James S-prunt Historical Publications 

the event might terminate speedily in a Government calculated to 
make them a Free & Happy People — and while I lamented & 
Shuddered at many of the transactions of that Country, I still 
hoped and believed for a long time, that each of those horrid events, 
would be the last act of Disgrace & Tyranny that should be com- 
mitted under "Fair Liberty's sacred name" — But alas! how silly 
have I been as well as thousands of others on this Subject — 

Ambition, avarice, & Bloody Revenge seems now to be the order 
of the Day among the Rulers of France, and these, they seem to 
deal out to the Nations a found as if they meant to destroy the 
Wourld — Even the Peaceful and unoffending Americans must par- 
take of their overflowing Wrath — our increasing Wealth & happi- 
ness has become painful to them — and as we were once their 
allies they seem disposed to treat us, as they have their own Coun- 
try, & reduce us to a State of Poverty, & wretchedness — as they 
have Holland — 

With all my attachment to the Cause of the French, let me here 
avow what I defy the Wourld to deny, that my Love, Veneration & 
Duty to my own Country was never shaken, by the blaze of French 
Victories, or any other Circumstance on earth — and I can look 
back with pleasure to every Vote I gave from the days of Genet 2 
to the present moment, and console myself that those votes have 
been in support of our own Govert. and the genuine principles of 
Neutrality that was adopted. — even in 1794 when British Depred. 
had agitated & inflamed all our Minds, 1 had the good fortune to 
be on the Side of Moderation and Negotiation, tho it was then 
called a Pussillanimous measure by men who now are as gentle as 
Lambs in the Case of France who have denied to Negociate with 
us, altho We have made two attempts. 

1 have taken the liberty to write of myself thus freely to you, 
to whom I am in some degree accountable as a friend, and my 
constituent. — 

The Presidents last Message on the 19th. March exorting us to 

2 Edmond Charles Genet, first minister of the French Republic to the 
United States, arrived in 1793. Genet insisted upon disregarding American 
neutralitybetween England and France; treated President Washington in a 
very boorish manner and finally forced the government to request his recall. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 75 

take vigorous measures for the Defense of the Country & Com- 
merce of the Nation in case of the worst, is called here a Declara- 
tion of War & is highly Censured hy those who have generally op- 
posed every measure of the Admisn. since the Present War has 
commenced in Europe — While General Washington was Presi- 
dent, the same opposition existed as does now, for Mr Adams has 
adopted and avowed he will pursue the same line of Conduct & 
Principles — But let it he remembered that Mr Adams Character 
however irreproachable it certainly is, does not carry with it that 
Coufedence & Veneration which was entertained for Genl. Wash- 
ington's, particularly in the Southern Country — It is therefore of 
the utmost importance at a time like the present, that all men who 
regard the Honour & interests of the Country, should come out 
Boldly & plainly to Inculcate union, & Confidence in the Govern- 
ment. 

I mean that union of Sentiment whereby every Man pledges 
himself to stand by his Country and support the National Politi- 
cal institutions thereof, which secures to all in the Community 
Life, Liberty, & Property — and that Honest Confidence, which 
examines and appreciates whh Candour the acts of Public Men & 
measures. — It is said and believed by some, that the French have 
been taught to consider us to the Southward as Devoted to their 
Will, and from a persuasion of this kind they expect to Divide 
Distract and Govern ns — the Idea is as false as tis Degrading to 
our Country, and I feel Confidt. If it should be ever Necessary to 
Defend and Protect ourselves against an Invading Enemy, 3 the 
People to the South will to a man repel the Foe, whether ho comes 
under the name of a British, or Spanish Monarchy or a French 
Republic — I have written fully to many of my friends in N. C. 
on this subject, and I can not help adding that I hope a true 
American Spirit of attachment and regard for our Government 
may evidence itself among the Peor>le, and that they may set a 
noble example of Self-respect, and Veneration for the Constituted 
authorities of their Country — If they do not, We may become the 

3 drove is anticipating war with France, a thing narrowly averted by Presi- 
dent Adams' second mission to France in February, 1799. Indeed naval war 
had already begun. 



76 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

Sport of Foreign intrigues, and intestine Broils — and the Fate of 
Poland may be our Lot — If so, it were better our Ancestors had 
never found this New Wourld — 

Remember me to all friends, & Be assured I am 
Dear Sir 

Your friend 

& Humble Sert. 

W. B. Grove 



To James Hogg. 

Phila. May 29th 1798 

Dear Sir 

I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your several 
favors of the I7h. April, 2d. & 16th. May from Fayette Ville — in 
reply to the former I can assure you [One 'word illegible] glad to 
find the affairs of our University are getting forward so cleverly — 
the Friends & promoters of that Institution are the real Patriots of 
No. Carolina. 1 

I can not but feel much satisfaction in the account I receive from 
Various parts of the State, that it is likely our representation 2 in 
Congress will be more respectable for Talents & proper qualifica- 
tions for such a Situation — I can not help thinking that one of 
the greatest causes of the loss of Confidence of many in the Feder- 
al government arises from that Source — How in the name of God 
is any Government to act wisely, or remain Reputable in the eyes 



1 Grove was a member of the Board of Trustees for the University from 
1785) to 1818; his correspondent, James Hogg, was a trustee from 1789 to 1802. 
Both were deeply interested in its fortunes. 

2 At the date Grove writes he was the only Federalist in Congress from 
Norlh Carolina. The French war scare and the popularity the government 
derived from its prompt resentment of France's course in the X.Y.Z. affair 
caused North Carolina to return four Federalists in 1799, these being Grove, 
Archibald Henderson, Win. H. Hill, and Joseph Dixon. North Caralina had 
ten representatives in all at this date. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 77 

of a Jealous & discerning People, If they themselves appoint Men 
totally incapable of thinking or acting on the great affairs of a 
great Nation — permit me my good Sir, to say, what T do, with 
sincere regret. I lament there are too many of this discription in 
the Counsils of our Country, who are more the Representatives of 
Prejudice and illiberal Suspicion, than of the true interests and 
sound policy of the U States. I will add what I am sure you and 
every reflecting Man in your District already knows full well, that 
your member 3 is not among the most enlightened, of the most ignorant; — 
and to learn that he is likely to have a majority of the Suffrages of 
so Respectable a District again is certainly a singular thing, unless 
indeed you are Resolved to Satirize Congress as some suggest. 

Let me here assure you I am not actuated by Personal feelings, 
or difference in Politics to make these remarks — they spring from 
a higher Motive. - 

Your remarks on Mr Harpers 4 speech are in a great degree just 
enough, but as false Religion has been made the Cloak for great 
Vices, so has a pretended Philosiphy been the ground work of Vast 
mischiefs — In the eyes of the discreet & discerning, true Religion, 
& real Philosophy, should not loose any of their important & Di- 
vine influence, because base men have prostituted both by false 
pretentions — 

Your observations relative to the incorrect information on the 
real State of affairs among the great mass of the People, & the 
causes of it correspond entirely with my own opinion ; to find fault, 
abuse, and write infamous insinuations to Degrade our own Gov- 
ernment, is the bighth of some Mens Ambition, & the greatest evi- 

3 Grove's party bias incapacitated him for a fair estimate of his party ap- 
poncnts. His reference hrre is to Nathaniel Macon, Republican representa- 
tive of the Hillsboro Districl (Warren, Franklin. Granville, Wake, and 
Orange counties) from 1791 to 1815, in the latter year entering the United 
States Senate where he served until 1828, resigning because of advancing 
age. Macon was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1801 to 1806. 
Without showy qualities, Macon possessed a keen, fchoueh perhaps some- 
what narrow intellect, and was unquestionably one of the ablest legislators in 
Congress during his thirty-seven years of continuous service. 

4 Robert Goodloe Harper, an able and active Federalist member of Con- 
gress from South Carolina. 



78 James Sprnnt Historical Publications 

dence of their attention to the Happiness & interests of their Coun- 
try men; — their object is to flatter the ignorant, & to increase 
their own Consequence among the Malcontents; this Kind of Patri- 
otic information is jumbled together in a printed Circular and sent 
throughout the Country to Poison the People like the effluvia which 
rises from this City in the time of a Pestilence — I now and then 
get a squint at these effusions of Congressional Literature, & base- 
ness — for I consider it the basest act on earth to libel and Degrade 
ones own Country — 

I have lately seen a printed letter of this kind by chance, sent 
by a Colleague to the Western District, I say sent, for tis evidently 
not penned by him — tis replete with charges & insinuations the 
most false and inimical to the Union, & the Independence of 
America — and to confidence in the Government of our Country 
that you can Conceive, and in my opinion If the People can rely 
fully and implicitly on the Information, they should resist the 
authority of their own Governt. — If a Copy of this Letter can be 
had it will be and must be published — and indeed I am not sure 
but some further notice must he taken of it — the name of Joe 
McDowell 5 is annexed to the letter I allude to — and my reason for 
Supposing he did not pen it, is that tis generally spelt right, & the 
stile & grammer is tolerable tho this may have been done for him 
by a contemptable wretch here named Calendar 6 who tis said gets 
his bread by writing circulers for the more illiterate Jacobin Mem- 



5 Colonel Joseph McDowell is here meant. He was a Republican of the 
strongest type, and representative in Congress of the Western District of 
North Carolina from 1793 to 1795 and from 1797 to 1799. Colonel McDowell 
was a major at the battles of Cowpens and King's Mountain ; after the Revo- 
lution was often a member of the General Assembly; was a member of the 
State Constitution Convention of 1788; also a commissioner to ran the divid- 
ing line between North Carolina and Tennessee. He died in August, 1801. 

6 James Thompson Callender, a Scotchman, serving as a hack writer for 
the Republicans in their attacks upon the Federalist Administration. He 
was frequently used even by Jefferson himself to perform unsavory political 
tasks. In 1800 Callender was tried under the Sedition Law for the produc- 
tion and publication of ''The Prospect Before Us," an attack upon Adams 
and the administration. Aline of two hundred dollars and imprisonment 
for nine months failed to reform him, he devoting the period of imprison- 
ment to the production of further scurrilous pamphlets. 



James Sprunt UiMoriccd Publications 79 

hers 7 of Congress. 

I made the enquiry you desired about Messrs. Laird & Edie, 
and learn that no claims from thorn are hefore the Board — Wry 
few claims are before the Commissrs., 8 their Determination on 
these will establish the Principles that will govern them on all 
Similar cases, & We are in great fear that very different Construc- 
tions are intended to be put on the 6th. artic. of the Treaty than 
we expected, which will have a Very unpleasant & arbitrary, nay 
unjust, operation on the U. States. 

I can assure you that I feel much gratified that your prospects 
are so favorable from the rising Value of your Western Lands — 
and I hope they may enable you to get through any and all old 
embarrassments which has given you so much anxiety — It is said 
that Kentucky Lands in the old Settlements are rather on the fall, 
perhaps your's may rise in proportion being on the frontier. 

Your last of the 16th. from F. Ville I can not now answer, as I 
have seen none of the Heirs of Mr Morriss" to taulk to them on the 
subject of your letter, but I will attend to its object. - 

AVe had not learned by last accounts that our Commissrs 1 " had 
left France, and We are astonished at their remaining in that 
Country after assurances they would leave it before now, & the 
accos. of Negociations being Commenced is without Foundation — 
I fear they have been Deluded to remain under Various pretexts, 
for the insiduous purposes of keeping alive the hopes & designs of 
their friends among us, while they were preparing to take more 
Hostile measures against us. 

Our Coast -Bays, & mouths of Rivers have been for some time 
past swarming with French Picaroons & Privateers w T ho take all 
Vessels they meet with in, or outward Bound — Our Small Fleet 
will soon he at Sea, & We have Authorized the taking &c all such 
Piratical armed Vessels as may be found on our Coast Committing 

7 The Republicans were called Jacobins by the Federalists because of their 
pro-French sympathies. 

8 Commissioners on British Debts, already noted. 

9 Reference to the settlement of an estate of which Grove was administra- 
tor . 

10 Adams' first commission, Pinckney, Gerry, and Marshall. 



80 James Sprvnt" Historical Publications 

Depredations on our Peaceful Commerce - this measure the oppo- 
sition gentry have the folly & impudence to call waging war" on 
the French - thus to Defend our property & Country against the 
hasest plunderers, brings upon the Adminisn. the Vilest epithets- 
and charges of partiality for Britain - These Gentlemen even try to 
induce a Belief that all the Conversation of our Commissrs in 
Paris was with a lot of Swindlers &c. &c. — & that the great 
Directory had no hand in the Business — 

However a Genel. Hedonville who the French have lately sent 
to Command in the Ws. Indies having seen the Dispatches were 
published in this Country, has written to the French Consul here, 
a letter which he and their Emissaries in this Country thought 
might be useful in taking off part of the odium on the French 
Govert. & it has been published — but that letter Confirms if any 
Confermation was wanting that the French Govert. had Resolved 
to demand of us Contributions &c &c. 

I shall end this letter by saying If I did not see a Spirit among 
some People to prostrate our Country & its Independence to France, 
I should feel no fear or apprehension from any Foreign Nation on 
earth, for I verily believe we have little to fear from any Nation 
except that Ambitious & avaricious quarter - 

With best respects to all friends I am 

Dear Sir 
your friend 

& Hum Sert. 

W. B. Grove 



To James Hogg. 

Philadelphia July 8, 1798 

Dear Sir 

I wrote you a line immediately on the arrival of Genl. 

11 Desultory naval warfare begun with France almost immediately after 
the X.Y.Z. disclosures. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 81 

Marshall," & informed you of our expectation that your friend Genl 
Pinckney would soon be with us as he left Paris about the 15th. 
of April and went to the South of France only for a short time to 
recruit the Health of his Daughter -since that we have no accounts 
of him, I earnestly wish for his arrival & Safety. 

Mr Gerry 2 remained in consequence of Tallyrand's intimation, 
& contrary to the opinion of his Colleagues, & of Genl Pinckney's 
in particular - this conduct of Mr G. has excited some uneasiness, 
more especially as tis an evidence of "the Diplomatic Skill of 
France" to Divide and Disunite us - Ids friends seem confident he 
will do nothing to dishonour himself, or the Nation, and yet his 
obstinacy may increase our Difficulties by keeping alive the Spirit 
of the Partizans of France among us^-for it begins now to appear 
pretty clearly that this Country must either become Tributary to 
France, or Defend itself with Vigour & energy -The latter is cer- 
tainly the Choice of all Men who regard the Independence, or rights 
of a Free People, and under tins impression Congress have acted 
since the Views of France have been fully unfolded - If We are 
united & true to each other, We can procure Justice & an honor- 
able indemnification, & will prove to the World, that tho' We are 
slow to take Arms even to avenge our Wrongs, yet when insulted 
into resentment, We will act like Men who know the Value of our 
rights, & who are Resolved to Defend them at the risk of every 
thing - We have greatly augmented our Maratime force, & from 
the public spirit of the monied men in the great towns, It is ex- 
pected we shall add several Frigates &c to our little Fleet - private 
Subscripns. to an immense amount is obtained in Boston, N. York, 
Phila. Baltimore &c. to Build Ships to be loaned to Government - 
We have authorized the increase of our Military establishment to 
ten thousand Men, In addition to a Provisional Army of the same 
number, & such Volunteer Corps as may offer their services under 
the 2d clause of this Law. - 

1 John Marshall, of Virginia, one of the commissioners to France, recent- 
ly returned to the United States. 

2 Elbridge Gerry, the only Republican member of the commission, at the 
invitation of Tallyrand, French minister of foreign affairs, remained at Paris 
and had some further negotiations with the French government after his col- 



82 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

Need I tell you that all our preparations for Defence will require 
additional funds, We shall however try to apportion the sums to 
be raised in as equitable a manner as possible. 

It is proposed to raise 2 Million of Dollars in the U. States on 
Houses, Lands, & Negroes, the latter are to be rated at half a Dol- 
lar pr head from 12 to 50 years of age - Houses & Lands are to be 
valued & pay a Certain pr. Centageon their value- each State pays 
their own quota according to the Number of Inhabitants - White 
Polls pay nothing. 

1 hoped to have been at Home before now, and [Remainder of 
letter missing.] 



To James Hogg. 1 

have the utmost respect & Confidence in Mr H integrity & good Policy 2 
yet they are not so drilled as the opposition generally are, Not to 
dare to express an opinion contrary to the sentiments of a Jef - - n, 
a Gall - - n, 3 or a Nicholas 4 — Tis probable from the Divisions in 
the Legislature of this State as to the mode of Electing Electors, 5 
that they will have no vote; The Federal Men desire that Electors 

leagues had departed, thus incurring the severe, displeasure of the adminis- 
tration and the Federalist party generally. 

1 The beginning of this letter is missing. Its precise date cannot he de- 
termined, but from the content we know it to have been written a short time 
before the presidential election of 1800. 

2 Thomas Jefferson . 

3 Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania. 

4 John Nicholas, Representative in Congress from Virginia and a staunch 
Republican . 

5 Grove wrote from Philadelphia. At that date, like all the other States, 
three excepted, Pennsylvania chose her presidential electors in joint session 
of her legislature. In 1800 the Senate being Federalist and the House Repub- 
lican, there was a deadlock, the Senate hoping to defeat the will of the Re- 
publican majority by refusing to go into joint session, thus to prevent the 
vote of the State being cast at all. A compromise was finally reached by 
which Adams was given seven votes and Jefferson eight. 



James Sprunt Historical Publications 83 

should lie appointed by Districts, the other party, as in Yirgia. 
want a general ticket by which Faction A- party have; a greater 
field to display itself, & the People are obliged to vote for many 
Men they know nothing of - 

New York appoint by joint Ballot and no doubt is entertained 
but Mr Adams will have the whole of that State, also Jersey and 
the whole of the Eastern States - Deleware - and perhaps the whole 
of Maryland, as the State Legislature have it in contemplation to 
meet for the express purpose of Appointing the Electors them- 
selves, to counteract the new Virginia plan. 6 If Maryland elect 
Districts, it is supposed Adams will have 7 — I do hope that our 
State will not be so completely under the guidance of her overgrown, 
imperious Sister again the dupe of her local and insinuating 
intrigues as upon a former occasion; 7 and tho' Commissioners may 
be again sent to reside near our Board of Electors, and Coax, or 
threaten them — I trust they will prove of no avail, and that every 
Federal Man may be as firm as Martin, of Moore, who I hope will 
be our Elector from F. Yille 8 again, and tho' him and myself have 
some cause to be chagrined, at his not having been offered a Cap- 
taincy upon my recommendation & without his knowledge, yet I 
am persuaded he is above a resentment on the Country, by not 
voting for Adams because there seems to have been some inatten- 
tion or mistake, in paying that respect to him which his conduct 
merited- I have explained the thing to him as far as I am Capa- 
ble from the information I have had- & the neglect has produced 
some censure on the War Depart, here, among those who the thing 
has been mentioned to - But the President knew nothing of this 
matter, till latterly - 

Genl. Pinckney, 9 or Major Pinckney 10 is taulked of as Vice P- by 

6 Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland chose electors l»y popular vote 
in districts. 

7 A reference to Virginia's influence, politically upon North Carolina, es- 
pecially in the election of 1790 when the North Carolina Federalists carried 
only one electoral vote for Adams. 

8 Fayetteville, Grove'shome. 

Q Charles C. Pinckney of South Carolina, Federalist vice-presidential can- 
didate lidate in 1804. In 18n0 Adams and 
Pinckney secured o5 electoral votes as against 73 for Jefferson and Burr. 



84 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

the Federal side- I dont know the GenL, hut what I hear he is a 
man of more eclat of Character, but I am inclined to believe We 
have few men in our Country possessing more of the qualities of 
Washington than Major P — He is not a great Orator, but he is a 
man of excellent practical sense, and Classical Education -a per- 
fect Gentleman in his manners, Firm, mild, unaffected, & Dignified 
in his Deportment; commanding at once respect, and Esteem from 
all who are in his Company. - 

It is supposed however by some that the Genl, is the most Pop- 
ular, & more likely to succeed in getting Votes as he is more Per- 
sonally known in many of the States, and is a very pleasant Com- 
panionable Man - 

As the latest European news is by the way of Charleston, I pre- 
sume you will have seen the accounts before we had them here - 
the only matters of importance is the new Constitun. of France; 
& the Correspondence between Consul Buonaparte & Lord Gren- 
ville 12 about Peace - 

The Constitution seems to me to be a strange mixture of Despo- 
tism, and insult offered to the nation, with Liberty equality & Re- 
publicanism, hashed up in the French stile, to hide from the most 
Vulgar & Ignorant, the Contemptable & deplorable Situation the 
great Mass of the People are brought to by their own folly, and 
the Infamous treachery of most of their Pretended Patriots - What 
is to be the end of the Colossal Consul, & his Government is not 
easy to conjecture in a nation like France, where nothing is to be 
calculated on the ground of Reason or experience- some think He 
will soon share the fate of Caesar, whilst others expect He will 
become a second Cromwell, and make Crowned Heads tremble on 
their throne, and renovate the energies of his Nation - It seems 
from the reply of Lord Grenville, that notwithstanding the New 

10 Thomas Pinckney of South Carolina, Federalist vice-presidential can- 
didate in 1796 and a brother of C. C. Pinckney. 

11 The French Directory was overthrown by Bonaparte in November, 
1799, and the Consulate set up under a constitution that gave Bonaparte 
supreme power. 

12 Lord William Grenville, England's Foreign Minister in the younger 
Pitt's cabinet, resigned office February 1801 ; Prime Minister 1806-1807. 



James Sjrrunt Historical Publications 86 

King 13 had written in Very flattering terms to his Brother of Eng- 
land, the old King 1 * seems to have Very little Confidence in his 
proposals, & recommends him to restore the antient Princes, tho he 
does not make that a Sine qua nan, to a Peace 15 - 

We are in hourly expectations of hearing from the Envoys, and 
think it somewhat Strange that Capt. Barry does not return -It is 
fully expected from the Complexion of affairs that all our differ- 
ences will be amicably settled and If the French let us alone, they 
may have a Revolution every decade if they please - 

I was not a little Vexed at seeing in Gales 17 paper a censure on 
Cap. Truxton' 8 for having so Gallantly beat the French 54- Such 
actions will tend more to insure Justice and Respect from France, 
and the World, than a thousand whining speeches in Congress 
about Peace, the Power of France, and the inability of this Coun- 
try to Defend her national rights on the Ocean - 

'Tis very late at night — please Remember me to Mr Alves. 
I am 

Or Sir 

Yr Ilnml Sert 

W B Grove 



13 A contemptuous reference to Bonaparte and his assumption of Sover- 
eign authority in France. 

14 George II r. 

15 These negotiations ultimately led to a temporary peace between Bona- 
parte and England signed at Amiens in March, 1802. 

16 This was Adams' famous second mission to France, composed of Oliver 
Ellsworth, Wm. Vans Murray, and William R. Davie. 

17 Joseph Gates, editor of the Raleigh Register. Phis paper was established 
at Raleigh in 1789 as the organ of the Republican party in North Carolina. 

18 Barry and Truxton were Commodores in the American Navy. Desul- 
tory sea-fighting with France proceeded in 1799 and 1800 while the negotia- 
tions of Adams' second commission were under way. In February, 1800, 
Commodore Truxton, in command of tne American frigate Constellation, 
attacked the French fifty-four gun frigate, La Vengeance, off Basseterre and 
after a long drawn out and desperate engagement put her to flight. 

19 Walter Alves, brother of Mrs; James Hogg and member from Orange 
county of the lower branch of the State Legislature in 1703, 1794, 1795 ; also 
Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustee of the University of North Carolina. He 
later removed to Kentucky and settled near Henderson in that State. 



86 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

To James Hogg. 

Raleigh 14th. March 1801 

Dear Sir 

Some Business led me to take Halifax in my way 
Home, that circumstance prevents me from adding to the length 
of my journey by calling at your place -Before this you will have 
seen Mr Jeffersons address to the public at his inauguration, 1 which 
many think very clever and as moderate as could be expected - 

If we compare it with those writings attributed to Mr J. viz his 
letter to Mazzini etc. — one of two things occurs, either that he is 
a great Hypocrite, or that his Notions of our Constitution is great- 
ly changed- In his letter he says '"they have given us the 
forms of the British Governt, & now endeavoring to give us the 
Substance" -in his address our Constitution is the best & Strongest, 
& the Worlds last hope &c 

However, these are only trifles to the inconsistences & evidences 
of Mr Jeffersons arts & machivelian policy to get at the head of 
American affairs; I earnestly hope & pray we may have no worse 
proofs of those arts & that policy, than his words & inconsistencies - 

It is very certain our new Admin, have very strong prejudices 
against Britain, & partiality for France, but they are aware that 
tho' they expressed & inculcated those sentiments heretofore, that 
now they are Responsible for the Peace of the Country, having the 
direction of the Government, it will not do to indulge in those feel- 
ings to the extent of their wishes, as it might endanger their Popu- 
larity with the nation, who regard Peace & Commerce with our 
best Customers as a primary object — this is a circumstance of 
which Mr J. & his friends are fully aware of, & will tend to check 
their hatred, & partiality not a little — for tho' these impressions 
are strongly rooted in many of them, yet the wish & Love of Popu- 

1 The Federalist party bad been overturned in ]800 and Jefferson, regard- 
ed by his party opponents as a rabid radical in whose hands the fate of the 
country was unsafe, was inaugu rated president, March 4th 1801. Grove was 
correspondingly disgruntled. However, Grove was able to again effect bis 
own re-election to Congres- this year, but this proved to be his last term. 



Jam ex Sprvnt Historical Publications 87 

larih/ in the new Adminn. will in my opinion bear down all other 
considerations — 

As f presume you have seen Mr Henderson, 2 1 suppose, yon have 
ree'd from him all the news of the day that I am possessed of, 
therefore I shall add nothing more at present - 

The Certift. about your Funded debt, I will forward you at some 
other time after I get home — I could not get any Bank notes at 
Washington, 3 but Columbia Bank notes, and I was informed they 
did not pass freely in this State, or to the Westward, owing to the 
small intercourse between the trading part of the Community & 
the new City - 1 reed . three quarters Dividends of your Funded 
debt amounting to $131 -as well as I now remember, but when we 
meet, I will furnish you with an exact acct. in the mean time I 
enclose you $109 - including one bank note of $10- If I am not at 
your next Supr. Court, I hope to see you at Fayette - 
In the mean time I am 

with real regard 

~ Dr Sir 

Yr. Humbl Sert 

W. B. Grove 



To Ji lines Hogg. 

Washington 9th. March 1802 
Dear Sir 

Had anything very interesting occurred here, I 
would have done myself the pleasure of troubling you with a let- 
ter before now — You will have seen in the News papers, the 
course & progress ^i Public measure under the new Adminisn. — 
time, and wise men, will unfold how far some of those measures 
are consistent with the Constitution & real interests of the Nation- 
To undo, much of what had been done under former Adminisns. 
seems to be the order of the day' - 

2 Archibald Henderson, of Salisbury, Representative of his district in 
Congress. A. Federalist, likeGrove, Henderson also lost his seat in 1803. 

3 The government took up its permanent residence at Washington, the 
new Capital, June 15, 1800. 

1 The new Republican Administration, supported by Congress, set itself 



88 James Sprunt Historical Publications 

On the arrival of the French troops at St Domingo the Blacks' 
resisted their landing, & hurnt & massacred all before them — the 
scene must have been dredful - 

It is feared here, that part of the French forces are intended for 
New Orleans, as tis believed the Spaniards have ceeded that coun- 
try to Buonaparte 3 - this apprehension gives us some uneasiness, for 
all Parties seem to prefer, the indolent Aristocratic Dons for Neigh- 
bors, to the Ambkiovs and turbulent Monsieurs, notwithstanding 
their high pretensions to Liberty & Republicanism. 

I have reed, from Mr Hooper 4 your Power of atty to transfer your 
Funded Stock to him, & the Dividends due from Jany 1800 - but 
tho' the power is sufficient to transfer the Stock lis not sufficient to 
receive the Dividends standing in your name — As Mr H. wishes 
the Stock sold, and the Dividends received, I take the liberty to 
request you to forward me by first Post, a power to draw & receive 
the same, in the same form, as those you heretofore sent me, to 
the end I may comply with Mr Ploopers request -I have dropped 
Mr H. a line informing him of the defect in the old power in 
regard to receiving the Dividends standing in your name - 

1 hope to get away from this place about the middle of April, 
tho' I suspect Congress will not rise before the 1st. May - 

Mrs Grove is pretty well, & desires me to send her respects to 
you, & Complems. to you and your Household - 
With real regard 
I am 

Dear Sir 

yr Plumb Ser. 

W. B. Grove 

the task of repealing much of the objectionable Federalist legislation effected 
in its last years and months of power; among these were the Alien and Sedi- 
tion Acts, the "Mid-night" Judiciary Act, etc. 

2 The Island of Hayti was at this date in rebellion against French authori- 
ty, the blacks being led by the famous Toussaint L'Onvertnre. 

8 This supposition was correct, the transfer having been made in the 
treaty of San Ildefonso in the year 1800. All America was stirred by the 
transfer, fear not being allayed until the territory was purchased from Frante 
in 1803. 

4 Very probably Thomas Hooper, lawyer, of Ilillsboro, son of Wm. 
Hooper, signer of the Declaration of Independence. 






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